Combination Package, Group Package and Multi-piece Package introduced in Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules 2023

Combination Package, Group Package and Multi-piece Package introduced in Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules 2023

On 6th October 2023, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution published the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules 2023 to amend the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. This includes the introduction of terminologies such as combination package, group package, and multi-piece package along with modifications in Rule 6 ,Rule 26 and in Fourth Schedule for  product: Edible oil, Vanaspati ghee and butter oil. These modified rules will be enforced from 1st January 2024.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has introduced amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011, effective from January 1, 2024. These revisions encompass terminology updates and modifications in Rule 6 and Rule 26. Combination Packages: These are packages containing two or more dissimilar individual packages or pieces. Group Packages: These consist of two or more individual pieces that are not identical. Multi-piece Packages: These packages contain two or more identical individual packaged commodities. Rule 6 pertains to "Declaration to be made in every package" and now specifies that clear labeling requirements (mfg month and year) do not apply to spare parts and accessories used for servicing with a warranty. However, for electronic products, spare parts, and accessories, the month and year of manufacture must be clearly indicated on the retail package. Additionally, the declaration of unit sale price is not mandatory for combination packages, group packages, or multi-piece packages under these rules or any other applicable law. Rule 26, concerning "Exemptions in respect of certain packages," states that all packages are exempt if they contain loose commodities ordered through e-commerce channels. The following mandatory information remains unchanged on commodities:

1. Name, address (Manufacturer, importer, marketer, or brand owner), and country of origin.
2. Consumer care email ID and phone number.
3. MRP (inclusive of all taxes in Indian currency).
4. Net Quantity.

In the Fourth Schedule, for serial number (11) covering products such as Edible oil, Vanaspati ghee, and butter oil, the entry in column 3 now requires both weight and volume declarations, and if net quantity is declared by volume, it must also be declared by weight.